Problem With New Throttle Cable

About a month ago I changed my throttle cables on my 1980 KZ1000 LTD, sense then I have been having two different problems. First is when the bike is cold the idle will not return to normal right away. By this I mean when I let off the throttle to shift the RPM will not drop. Once it has been rode a while it will return to a normal idle RPM. This is happening with the choke in the off position. Another indication of a problem is while stopped, rev the engine up, and it takes a while to return to idle. If I push the throttle closed it still doesn’t return to idle. This all goes away once it has been ridden for 15-30 min.

Second problem is while sitting still, idling, turn the handle bars to the right, between half to full turn the RPM will increase to between 2000-3000 RPM, returns to normal when turned back.

I have had the tank off several times, and checked to verify the correct length cable. The only difference I see between the new and old cable is the metal tube coming out of the throttle grip, the new one has a larger bend than the original. Has anyone else ran into this, or is there something I missed while installing and adjusting? I am getting ready to put the old cables back on, unless I can find a solution.

The second problem appears to just be the cable isn’t long enough or is binding somewhere, but the first issue has me puzzled.

Thank You
Jim Smith

did you lube the cable before you installed it?

Yes I did. Appeared to have been pre-lubed but went ahead and lubed up real good.

Jim:

You may want to double check how the cable is routed. Also, check to make sure the throttle itself (where the grip is) is lubed well and turns freely on the handlebar.
Ed

i agree with what ED said

I have had the tank off several times, been checking the routing. Grip is well lubed. Last night I put the original back on, took care of the problem with turning the handle bars to the right, but still doesn’t return to idle like it should. At least now I can use the throttle to return to idle, where I couldn’t before. Tonight I will look closer to see if I can find where it is getting hung up.

Jim Smith

You may want to disconnect the throttle cables at the carbs and then start the bike. You can give the engine a little rev bump at the carbs and then see if the idle returns quickly. If it doesn't the problem isn't cable related. Ed

Post some pics on how the cables are routed, maybe we can spot the problem.

The hanging idle might be the advancer sticking, if it's not related to the cables.

Looking a little closer I noticed that it would have a problem returning to idle position only from a low to mid throttle opening position, if I have the throttle is at a larger opening such as half to full throttle it would then return to a fully closed position. Solution was some spray lube on and around the throttle pulley and shaft. Appears to have solved the problem.

Jim: